Ministry of Justice

Legal Profession: Brexit

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what stepsthey have taken to ensure that (1) EU nationals can still access legal services in the UK once the Brexit transition period ends, and (2) British nationals can access legal services in the EU.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The government recognises that citizens and businesses in both the UK and EU Member States rely on the expertise, experience and scale of supply that lawyers currently provide.The government is seeking to negotiate reciprocal sector-specific provisions in the UK-EU Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement which would allow UK lawyers to provide legal advice on UK and International law in EU member states under their UK legal title on a temporary or permanent basis. These provisions remain subject to ongoing negotiations with the EU. UK lawyers will be subject to each EU Member State’s domestic framework which regulates provision of legal services. The government has posted guidance online at gov.uk and will be updating this once negotiations have concluded.EU lawyers practising in the UK will no longer be able to provide regulated services under their home state professional title, although they can still become solicitors and barristers through existing transfer tests that are open to all foreign lawyers. The government has signposted on gov.uk that EU lawyers should speak to UK regulators for further information.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

EU Countries: Foreign Relations

Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have a strategy to enhance bilateral relationships with governments of European countries; and if so, whether that strategy includes the development of shared cultural events.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Leaving the EU is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the UK's position on the world stage. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is working to ensure that our European bilateral relationships have the proportionate levels of investment to deliver our international priorities, harnessing appropriate opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation. The UK already engages in a number of bilateral civil society events with other European governments. For example, the annual UK-Italy Ministerial Pontignano Conference took place in October 2020, providing an opportunity for dialogue, debate and relationship building with participants from a variety of sectors including cultural leaders. We will continue to ensure that such events continue to deliver for the UK and seek further opportunities for cultural exchange.

Pakistan: Politics and Government

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) the government of Pakistan, and (2) the government of India, about the announcement by the Prime Minister of Pakistan on 1 November of his decision to grant provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has regular contact with the Governments of Pakistan and of India, including about regional issues and regional stability. We encourage both sides to engage in dialogue. The UK's long-standing position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Legal Profession

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by Ban Ki-Moon at theIBA 2020 Virtually Together Conference on 2 November about attacks on, and harassment of, lawyers globally; and what steps they are taking, with international partners,to ensure that the rule of law is not undermined at nation state level.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We share Ban Ki-Moon's concern about the attacks on, and harassment of, lawyers globally. This Government is absolutely clear that any form of violence or abuse against lawyers is utterly unacceptable. The implementation of rule of law by national governments is central to securing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The independence of the judiciary, legislature, and executive helps ensure that each institution is able to hold the others to account, thereby protecting individual citizens. The UK is part of the Rule of Law Core Group at the UN Human Rights Council; ensuring that the rule of law remains prominent on the Council's agenda. The UK also supports a range of resolutions at the UN Human Rights Council that seek to promote the importance of the rule of law and democracy. In March 2019, the Permanent Representative of the UK Mission to the United Nations, Julian Braithwaite, delivered a statement to the Human Rights Council on behalf of the Rule of Law Core Group, highlighting why the implementation of the rule of law is particularly important for the protection and empowerment of citizens throughout the world.

Afghanistan: Terrorism

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Afghanistan about the IS attack at Kabul University on 2 November; and whatassistance they have offered to help to end IS attacks on education centres in Afghanistan.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: I spoke to Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister on 3 November. I expressed the UK's profound condolences for the loss of life caused by the attack in Kabul and noted the particular tragedy of targeting young Afghans in a place of education.Acting Foreign Minister Atmar and I agreed on the need for a reduction in violence levels and for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to receive continued international support. The UK has committed up to £70 million to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces for 2021. This funding will help ensure those forces are better able protect the Afghan people. Tuesday 3 November was a day of National Mourning in Afghanistan and the British Embassy flew the flag at half-mast in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.

Armed Conflict: Civilians

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Protection of Civilians Report (6-19 October 2020), published on 23 October, and in particular, the destruction of Palestinian-owned olive trees.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the findings of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Protection of Civilians Report (6-19 October 2020). The UK condemns any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians. We recognise that there can be an increase in assaults on Palestinian farmers, the destruction of olive trees and the stealing of produce coinciding with the Palestinian olive harvest, which began earlier this month. We have expressed our concerns to the Israeli Government on a number of occasions. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. We welcome the efforts of Israeli authorities to address settler violence, and urge them to thoroughly investigate every instance and bring those responsible to justice.

West Bank: Housing

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israelabout reports of a building permit being issued by the Israeli Civil Administration for 31 housing units for Israeli settlers in the Old City of Hebron.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We consistently call for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution, including settlement expansion within the West Bank. The UK's position on settlements is clear. They are illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace, and threaten they physical viability of a two-state solution. We urge Israel to halt settlement expansion immediately.

Amer Abdel-Rahim Sanouber

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representationsthey have made to the government of Israelabout the death of Amer Abdel-Rahim Sanouber.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As the British Consulate Jerusalem made clear in a tweet on 26 October, we are concerned by the reports surrounding the death of Amer Abdel Rahim Snobar. The British Embassy Tel Aviv raised this case with the Israeli Authorities on 26 October. The UK urged the Israeli authorities to investigate the allegations surrounding his death. In instances where there have been accusations of excessive use of force, we have advocated swift, transparent investigations and if wrongdoing is found, that those responsible be held to account.

Gaza: Unemployment

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that unemployment in Gaza has increased.

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the rate of unemployment in Gaza has reached 70 per cent.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza. We are working to address the underlying causes of humanitarian need and economic decline in Gaza. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv and our Consulate-General in Jerusalem frequently urge the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to take steps to improve conditions in Gaza. Our economic development programme aims to lift the overall standard of living in by increasing trade and job creation, enabling greater movement and access for people and goods, and enhancing the supply of electricity and clean water. The UK will continue to urge the parties to prioritise progress towards reaching a durable solution for Gaza and to take the necessary practical steps to ensure Gaza's reconstruction and economic recovery.

Sanctions

Baroness Eaton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what framework they have put in place to assess the success of UK sanctions.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As required by sections 30 and 32 of the Sanctions Act, Her Majesty's Government will review annually whether the UK's sanctions regimes remain appropriate to achieve their stated purposes, and will report to Parliament. If the Government determines that it is no longer appropriate to maintain an autonomous sanctions regime, that regime will be removed or amended accordingly. Periodic reviews of autonomous sanctions designations will take place every three years under the Act.

Developing Countries: Nutrition

Baroness Mone: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support global nutrition beyond the Nutrition for Growth Commitments.

Baroness Sugg: Prevention and treatment of malnutrition remains a priority for the UK as part of our commitment to end the preventable deaths of mothers, newborns and children. The FCDO remains committed to working closely with the Government of Japan to make sure the 2021 Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit generates meaningful action by governments, donors, businesses, the UN and civil society. We are looking carefully at options for a new UK commitment?post-2020?and will provide an update on our plans?in due course.

Nagorno Karabakh: White Phosphorus

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Baroness Sugg on 2 November (HL Deb, col 497), what assessment they have made reports of the use of white phosphorus against the population of the Nagorno-Karabakh region by the government of Azerbaijan; and if substantiated, what steps they intend to take in response.

Baroness Sugg: The UK Government is aware of reports that white phosphorus has been used, by both parties, although we have not made an assessment of these allegations. Her Majesty's Government strongly supports the appropriate national and international accountability mechanisms to investigate and report on allegations of violations/breaches of international law.

Cabinet Office

Fossil Fuels

Baroness Goudie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to stop working with (1) Boston Consulting Group, and (2) other management consultancy firms which regularly advise the fossil fuel industry.

Lord True: Any organisations working with the UK Government are contracted in line with Public Sector Procurement Guidelines. Further details of the Government’s Management Consultancy Framework are available on gov.uk.

Government Departments: Digital Technology

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord True on 1 October (HL8184), which members of the Digital Economy Council were invited to contribute to the review oftheirDigital Data and Technology function over the summer.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord True on 1 October (HL8184), what were the terms of reference of the recent review into their Digital Data and Technology function.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord True on 1 October (HL8184),which (1) processes, (2) structures, and (3) operations, of the Digital Data and Technology function were considered as part of the review they carried out over the summer.

Lord True: The review was commissioned and overseen by the Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, Alex Chisholm. Announcements will be made in the usual way.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government who they have awarded contracts to as part of their response to COVID-19; and for each such entity, (1) how many contracts have been awarded, and (2) what is the value of those contracts.

Lord True: Cabinet Office does not hold the information requested, as individual departments are responsible for their own procurements.Central Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder at https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.

Lex Greensill

Lord Macpherson of Earl's Court: To ask Her Majesty's Government on what occasions since 1 January 2012 Cabinet Office officials have met Lex Greensill.

Lord True: In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal meetings are not normally disclosed.Details of Cabinet Office senior official (Permanent Secretary) meetings with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis, and are available on GOV.UK.

Treasury

Self-employed: British Nationals Abroad

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there will be a replacement for the social security certificate A1/E101 for self-employed UK citizens working in EEA countries; and, if so, what it will be.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The UK continues to participate in EU social security coordination rules during the transition period, and the self-employed should continue to apply to HMRC for A1/E101 certificates as normal. Self-employed individuals going to work in the EU, EEA or Switzerland on or after 1 January 2021 who remain subject to UK social security legislation will be entitled to an A1/E101 certificate if they are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, the Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement or the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement. For those individuals not covered by these agreements, the Government published a mandate on 27 February which sets out its intention to negotiate a future EU-wide agreement on social security coordination, including on which countries’ legislation is applicable. On 26 October, HMRC published an Agent Update which sets out some of the changes for the self-employed going to work in or coming from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland from 1 January 2021.